Thomas P. Heafey
October 11, 1929 – February 10, 2023
Thomas Heafey was born the fifth of seven children. He was a proud South Omaha boy and member of St Bridget’s Church. After attending Creighton Prep High School, he went on to graduate from Creighton University in 1951. After serving two years in the army, he attended San Francisco Mortuary School. Upon completion, Tom returned to Omaha to work with his father at Heafey & Heafey.
Luckily, Tom met the perfect woman for him and married Joan Reefe in May of 1959. They were together for 60 years and managed to run a business, stay active in the community, and raise four children together.
Tom never met a parish festival he didn’t like… or a raffle ticket. He also loved Notre Dame football. Tom and Joan would regularly make the drive to South Bend for a weekend, cheering on the Fighting Irish.
He sponsored a bowling team for many years and played every Wednesday night. When the kids had Thanksgiving break from school, he would let us tag along. We were each allowed to bowl ONE line. I’m sure we were thrilled.
Their parish family was always a priority for our parents. They lived in Holy Cross and then St. Robert’s parish for many years but usually attended Thanksgiving mass at Boystown. Tom would greet Father Peter before mass and ask him for a quick homily because ”he had to get home and get his pies out of the oven.” In reality, the only thing he could cook was canned cream of mushroom soup which he fed us when mom was sick. We hated those days.
Tom was famous for his love of sweets, especially ice cream. When any of the kids were sick, he would happily go to Goodrich for a chocolate malt. Of course, the malt was really for him since we were too sick to eat one.
Later in life, our parents loved to travel. They enjoyed Fall trips to the East Coast to go “leafing.” They also traveled to Europe, Asia, and Ireland.
Most of us will remember Tom for his great sense of humor. He loved telling and hearing a good joke. He used his humor to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, which was one of his greatest gifts.
Preceded in death by his wife, Joan C. (Reefe) Heafey; parents, John C. and
Helen Gillespie Heafey; brothers: John “Jack” Heafey, Morgan J. Heafey (killed in action in WWII), Edward Heafey, and James B. Heafey; sisters, Helen Kinnear and Maureen Lauren. Survived by daughter, Kathleen Boyle (Charles); granddaughter, Mairin Boyle; grandson, Shane Boyle; daughter, Colleen Langenfeld (Michael Langenfeld, M.D.); granddaughters, Kathleen and Bridget Langenfeld; daughter, Margaret M. Heafey; son, Morgan Heafey (Claire); nieces and nephews.
VISITATION begins at 12noon on Friday, February 17th with family receiving friends from 5pm to 7pm and VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at the West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, February 18th at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific. Interment in the Heafey Family Estate at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Poor Clare Sisters, Columban Fathers, or Servants of Mary.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
4 Comments
Our condolences to the entire Heafey family.
Margaret, I am so sorry to hear about your dad, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. My thoughts are with his family. I will sure miss our chats on the phone.
On behalf of the Bertagni Children (Sue, Monsignor Ted, Nancy, Steve, Tina & Jody), we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Heafey family. Tom was always so kind and friends with our parents ( Ted & Mary). You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
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